A Voice in the Wilderness

When did November sneak its way into the beautiful fall colors tumbling from the trees? 

The holidays are my favorite time of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. What could be better than sharing your thankfulness with family and friends and celebrating Jesus! 

The testimonies become endless when we pause and see the grace God has shown us along with His relentless blessings.

Today when reading through Scriptures, I became in awe of John and his humbleness for his ministry and through his relationship with God. He knew he couldn't make it through life's wilderness alone.

 The moment I think I got it all under control is the moment I need to pause and pray a little harder, read a little deeper and fast a little longer.

The story in John 1:19-27 KJV isn't one that will knock your socks off but it goes like this:

"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? and he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither the prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose."

When the priests and Levites asked John who he was, his reply in verse 23 should be the cry of our hearts. He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord."

He made clear he was "just a voice" crying out. Voices are easy to get lost in the crowd or to fade away when nobody listens. But even in the wilderness John was a voice CRYING OUT! Not only did John stay in touch with his ministry but he wanted others to know of this wonderful, powerful, loving, merciful, almighty, counselor and redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Many times we get caught up in the wilderness with thoughts of ourselves, problems, stress, heartache or even perfect days and we forget to heed the call and be the voice to others that are hurting. We have the answer to every bad and evil thing the enemy throws at us! Why not share it?

John was humble and knew he was unworthy to even untie the sandals of our Savior. 

I have to break myself down, break my pride down and say "Wow, I am so unworthy to even experience the grace of God."

Even when you're hurting or your day has gone great, don't forget to be that voice in the wilderness. Take up your cross and follow the giver of life. Share the perfect love of God on the mountaintops and through your wilderness. 

Be that voice.